| Motorola SURFboard Wireless Cable Modem Gateway (SBG900) |
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Model: SBG900
Brand: Motorola
Manufacturer: Motorola
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 112
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
PCs can be located where it is most convenient, not where there is a physical connection
Surf the Internet at speeds up to 100 times faster than a 28.8k analog modem
Offers 802.11g wireless technology with a range of up to 328 ft indoors and 1312 ft outdoors
Everyone on your network (up to 252 users) can share a single broadband connection
64-bit and 128-bit WEP security keeps hackers and viruses from attacking your network |
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| Description: |
| When you combine a modem and wireless access point in one easy to install unit, it's easy to network all the computers, peripherals and game consoles in your home or small office. The SBG900 offers a fast Internet connection, a secure network and the convenience and flexibility of wireless Internet access. Surf the Internet at speeds up to 100 times faster than a traditional analog modem whether you're online doing homework or working on important files. 802.11g wireless technology means you can roam throughout your home or office without losing your network connection. At the same time, the commercial-grade firewall will keep hackers and viruses from attacking your network. Two diversity antennas (one internal and one external) to enhance wireless connectivity Commerical-grade firewall enhances network security - Denial of Service (DoS) attack prevention, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), Intrusion detection and Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) protects your network while gaming online System Requirements - Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2, Netscape Navigator 6.2 or higher, Minimum 486/66 (Pentium Processor preferred) or Macintosh-compatible CPU (Power PC) 10/100 Base-T, Ethernet or USB connection and High speed data service |
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| User Reviews (112 total): |
Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 of Total 6 Pages
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No hassle wireless, January 29, 2007
By A.Golfer (Columbus, OH)
I replaced the TimeWarner supplied modem with this (only hassle was with TimeWarner--they wanted their modem returned before they would change the id to the new wireless. They still charge you for theirs anyway.)
The result is much better than the Linksys I have elsewhere. Plus, unlike Linksys, there have been no problems in several months of use. It has a wider range (through block walls vs. Linksys which couldn't make it through wallboard).
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works as expected, January 12, 2007
By Robert O. Kan (Maryand and Holland)
this unit replaces the one
I rented for $5 a month from Comcast. Installation was easy and it works fine.
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Just What We Wanted, January 10, 2007
By Dr. Bob (Las Cruces, NM USA)
We were looking for a wireless router because we were renting a modem through the cable company for $3/month. We found the SBG900 that could pay for itself in three years. The SBG900 does just what we wanted it for. We both use Macintosh Powerbooks. I used to have to take mine to my wife's study where the connection was. My wife wanted to move around the house to go online wherever she felt comfortable. Now, I can work online in my own study or move around the 2,200 sq. ft. house as my wife does. With Macintosh, setup is a breeze: Call the cable company with the MAC ID, use the ethernet cable once on one computer, that's all. It doesn't interfere with our 2.4 GHz cordless telephone either.
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No Brainer, January 9, 2007
By I (Chicago, IL)
This is an easy-to-use device that works almost as soon as the broadband connection is screwed in. It has a great range and the wireless/modem combo saves space while conveniently merging two abilities into one. I'm surprised there are not more gateways on the market.
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Great Product highl recommend it, December 4, 2006
By BiraRai
Hi purchased this router for 2 primary reasons. The first was to get rid of the separate wireless router and modem the second was to stop paying timewarner 3$ a month modem rental fee. The product works great higly recommend it. Called timewarner road run technical support and gave them the new mac address. Had it running in less then 10 minutes.
Cheers,
BiraRai
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Great wireless modem, November 10, 2006
By all wireless (Denver, Co)
This modem is high quality and has a great signal. My place is only 1000 square feet, but the signal has never dropped or faded. Im so pleased!
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Perfect Hardware, but Tricky to Use Software, November 10, 2006
By W. Brown (Clovis, California)
The hardware and associated software have functioned flawlessly. However, the software security settings required a tech support email and a phone call. The default firewall setting blocked most Internet radio channels and several automatic services such as Microsoft Windows Internet time.
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Great problem solver--at a somewhat reasonable price, November 4, 2006
By jakes (New York City, NY)
Okay, this item is pretty spendy, but it works. I used to have all sorts of issues with the connection between my modem and my wireless router...now it seems to work perfectly. Really easy to set up too. It's a bit spendy, but hey, it works!
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SBG900 instant setup!, October 7, 2006
By C. Coppola (Connecticut)
I started by calling my internet provider(Cox). Once they registered the correct MAC ID the modem worked almost instantly. I never even opened the CD that came with the modem. I configured the modem from a wired connection on my laptop, including setting up a WEP key, then I was able to set up the wireless connection later. I also have two other computers wirelessly connected. We have a large(>3000sqft colonial) house and one of the pc's is in a family room over the garage at the oposite end of the house. After configuring the keys on those computers they easily connected wirelessly. I walked in every room of our house with the laptop and my connection was 100% at all times. I still plan on attaching my printer to the USB port but don't have the correct cable yet so I can't comment on that aspect.
So far I'm thrilled!
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Amazing combination., September 30, 2006
By connected to the world... (Atlanta, GA USA)
This is a great combination of Cable modem and Wireless router. It takes up so little space compared to having them separately. If you're using comcast you will need to call up the customer executive to get its mac id added to your account. But installation takes only 10 mins and it runs smoothly. Also its software for changing preferences and firewall settings is one of the best I've seen. For a little more or just the same amount of cost as a wireless router and modem, you can buy it in one.
100% recommended!!
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Just OK, needs more features, September 25, 2006
By marc (Cambridge, MA)
The SBG900 is a decent combination cable modem/wireless router, but it has some shortcomings that may or may not matter to you. There is no WAN uplink, so it can't be used as general gateway unless you are connected to the internet via the cable modem coax. There is only one wired ethernet port, so if you want to connect more than one wired device you'll need another piece of hardware. (There is also a USB-based internet connection, so you might be able to hook up two wired devices but I haven't tried it.) The firmware doesn't support MAC spoofing, which is a pain but not a showstopper for most people. The range is worse than I was expecting: The signal is mediocre from one room away, two rooms it is nearly unusable.
It was very easy to set up. I had it up and running in about 10 minutes, most of which was spent on the phone with comcast to give them the new MAC address. Configuring all the security options was pretty painless as well, and I haven't experienced any dropped connections or other problems since I set it up several days ago.
This unit is great for people who aren't looking for many features and don't need much range. Anyone else may find it lacking.
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motorola comes through again, September 16, 2006
By 6 (central ms.)
I am using a SBG900 SurfBoard cable modem with my wireless ready laptop.it's so easy to use I just clicked I accept to cableone start page that's it nothing to program no cd-roms to run I never even opened the user guide.I truely enjoy it.
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After 2 years and many laptops this is still a great product., September 6, 2006
By T. Johns (Lancaster, PA)
I have had this cable modem/wireless router for over two years. I went back to school and have hosted many study group sessions in my home where we were all connected to the internet through this router with no issues. I have used my work and two diffent personal laptops with this router and only had one issue.....I could not get connected to the internet after a bad thunder storm recently. I disconnected the power and the cable, waited a minute then reconnected them and all was good with the www again. As for the signal.....I have a great signal in all rooms of my home and out in the yard. I have an RV parked in my driveway and I can even get a great signal out there. (It is a nice quiet place to work and study.)
I highly recoment this product.
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Motorola again, September 3, 2006
By kurtisv (East of Eden)
I had a SBG1000 for the past three years. It was an excellent unit, but since Cox rolled out DOCIS 2.0, I wanted the extra speed. I first tried a Linksys WCG200, but that unit has significant problems with mild traffic rates and rebooting (see Linksys support forums for more tales of woe.) I went back to Motorola in the 900 and have been good to go since. I especially like the fact that the unit does not have to be rebooted to effect changes like the 1000 did. I also agree with a previous review Motorola support is good, vs. Linksys. I do miss the sleek form factor of of the 1000; the 900 looks like something from the Jetson's bookcase.
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Exactly as advertised, August 21, 2006
By Dr. Les (Arizona)
I received this modem promptly and it worked exactly as advertised right out of the box. Our network people tell me the firewall on this modem is a little overanxious, however, and needs to be switched off for many internet activities.
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total CRAP so far, April 19, 2006
By Siovhan (joplin, MO)
i've had this about a week, it works great unless i have too many programs open at the same time. i use emule, bitcomet, and about 4 chat programs and i guess that overloads it & it disconnects.. my old wired-modem NEVER disconnected.. heck even dialup didnt do this.. im very disappointed i was looking forward to getting that 100-foot network cable out of my floor, but i think i might have to drag it back out.
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great products at reasonable price, January 21, 2006
By a cloudy day
This products works perfectly with my Dell laptop and customer services are helpful. The only catch is actually from my Windows XP operation system: you need to download a patch from Microsoft for the wireless part to work appropriately. Overall, the products works beyond my expectation and after three weeks I have nor have any problem.
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Great Little Gizmo, January 18, 2006
By Band Geek Mom (Richmond, Va.)
Easy to install using provided CD, even for a baby boomer. Faster internet access than with old modem and excellent wireless reception in entire house. Phoned Motorola tech support to change firewall setting and received excellent service. (Their service was more prompt than Comcast was at switching over to the new modem.)
Have no complaint with this item.
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Solid performer, suprisingly easy, January 1, 2006
By Marske Mcentyre (Portland, OR)
I work in the computer/software industry and am generally critical of the cheap throw-away quality of most electronics. I was nervous about this purchase because I had read two other reviewers mention 1) The Motorola SBG900 allocated two IPs from the broadband provider such as Comcast if you connected more than one computer, and 2) the range was poor. I doubted the first, and I live in a small house for the second.
I have been using a DLINK wireless router for the last 1-1/2 yrs. Reliable but it has a high-pitched hum that is incredibly irritating. I returned the first, only to get another with the same whine, so I figured it was a manufacturing/component flaw. I stuffed it in a corner of the basement to keep from hearing it. This was my experience with my DLINK wireless router, not the Motorola.
So here's what I found re: the Motorola SBG900. Powered it up, Comcast prompted me to download their "installation software" when it detected an unknown cable modem, clicked Yes 5 times, and was on the Internet. Then I configured the wireless portion to match the WEP 128-bit settings from the powered-off DLINK (used the same SSID, Shared Key, etc.), activated the firewall, hid broadcast of the SSID, and both my laptop and desktop connected without a hitch. Even I was surpised. Their wireless NICs are DLINK and Intel, so compatibility wasn't an issue. I never even opened the manual which comes on the CD. I was happy to see a number of WPA (next generation) security options when selecting the encryption mode. However, I didn't bother with that now, but may later, since I'm already on 128-bit WEP. Also the range is the same as my older DLINK, so I'm very content with this purchase. Very happy to reduce the clutter by consolidating devices. Even in the world of MIMO and future technologies, 802.11G (54Mbs) is fine for my needs. I recommend this cable modem.
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I love this item, December 30, 2005
By Mark A. Davis (Michigan)
I love this Motorola Product. I bought it after returning a Lynksis router. I love the space and clutter savings by combining the modem. It installed the first time with ease. The user interface is intuitive and easy. It links right up to my 802.11B Sony Vaio and my DLink 520 802.11G PCI card in my PC. I was pleased with how easy it was to get up and running and to change the settings on. I will be a Motorola customer for years if all their products are this good. Thanks Motorola
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